McMinnville officials are looking in the direction of the Blue Building as the “new” home for its police department. A close inspection of the building is in the works, but will it nail the doors shut?
According to Building and Grounds Committee chairman Junior Medley, he asked city administrator David Rutherford to look into the possibility of renovating a section of the Blue Building, mostly the main floor and part of the basement, for use by McMinnville Police Department.
“I was asked by a couple of aldermen to look into it,” said Medley. “So I asked David to bring us that information. I’m not in favor of moving back into the Blue Building. I don’t think it’s a possibility, but I was asked to look into it so that’s what I’m doing.”
The police department had been located at the Blue Building for decades before moving to Red Road Business Park in November 2009 because of poor conditions.
The information to renovate the Blue Building could include fire, environmental and health inspections to ensure the building is safe and up to codes, as well as the cost for an architect to determine what work needs to be done.
This is not the first time an inspection of the building has been done. In 2008, officials hired an independent appraiser to determine the value of the property. After an inspection, William Haston Sr., set the value at $1.3 million and demolition at $500,000.
In his report, Haston warned that a close inspection such as that under consideration could cause condemnation.
“It should be noted that an independent inspection by an expert in fire, safety, and health codes could result in condemnation,” said Haston.
According to Haston, he found structural problems, severe termite damage, insect and rodent infestations, water damage, and many deferred-maintenance and age-related problems.
“The building would require expensive improvement such as sprinkler system, fire walls, adequate exits, elevators and other disabled/ handicapped required construction.”
Haston set restoration cost at more than $6 million — main building $3.4 million, auditorium $508,058, gymnasium $1.8 million, architectural and engineering fees $343,831.
When the cost was compared to the local real estate market, Haston discouraged restoration.
“After inspection of the subject property, and a review of the local real estate market in the city of McMinnville, it is the opinion of the appraiser that from a business perspective, it would not be financially feasible to renovate the building.”
Medley says he is aware of the problems with the Blue Building.
“I know the building has problems,” Medley said. “That’s why I do not see this as a possibility. Some apparently do and that’s why I asked for the information.”